Fever

A fever is when a person’s body temperature is hotter than 37.5 degrees Celsius (99.5 Fahrenheit). Normal body temperature for humans is around 36.6 to 37 degrees Celsius (98 to 98.6 F) or a bit higher after a lot of exercise. These numbers are for an temperature taken from under the tongue. Rectal temperatures will read about 0.3 C (0.55 F) higher, and armpit temperatures will read about the same amount lower.

When people are ill, their body’s immune system fights the disease, and so the body temperature rises. Fever is a defensive measure of the body against the germs: the metabolism of the germs become disoriented when the body temperature rises.

About 38.9 C (102 F) degrees is called a low-grade fever, and above 39.4 C (103 F) degrees is a high-grade fever.

Children usually have a higher fever than adults; their immune system is less mature. Infants have the highest normal temperature, which decreases as people age.

In certain cases, high-grade fever can be considered a medical emergency. This is especially the case since at or above 42°C the organs start taking damage that may not be repairable.

Remedies for Fever

1. Rub your body with apple cider vinegar. After rubbing it wear warm cloth and get into a warm bed.
2. Fill up a bowl with 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar. Dip a cloth in the fluid and squeeze, put the cloth over the forehead. Keep dipping the cloth in the bowl every once in a while.
3. Pour a cup of boiling water into a cup with grind/ cut horseradish root, wait 5 minutes and drink. Repeat 3 times a day.
4. Grind barley and mix with sesame. Cook in milk, saturate a bandage and apply on forehead.
5. Boil 1 cup of water, add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, cook for 5 minutes, cool and drink to reduce the fever.
6. Grind 10gm of raisins and 10gm of fresh ginger, immerse in 200 ml water for 1 hour, then boil until you are left with only 50ml water, strain and drink warm twice a day.
7. Cream of tartar. Try this fever tea. Combine 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 1/2 cups warm water, and 1/2 teaspoon honey. Drink 4 to 6 ounces at a time.
8. Fresh Pineapple is best. It’s one of nature’s anti-inflammatory agents that can fight fever. Pineapple is also packed with juice that can prevent dehydration.
9. Put 3/4 cup chopped raisins in 7 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the water has been reduced by one-third. Drink a little of this several times a day to keep yourself hydrated during a fever.
10. Popsicles and Fruit juice bars can reduce the risk of dehydration. This can be an especially handy way to keep fluids in small children.
11. Blackberry and apple cider vinegar is a great fever elixir, but it takes several days to prepare. Pour apple cider vinegar over a pound or two of blackberries, then cover the container and store it in a cool, dark place for three days. Strain for a day, since it takes time for all the liquid to drain from the berries, and collect the liquid in another container. Then add 2 cups sugar to each 2 1/2 cups juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes while you skim the scum off the top. Cool and store in an airtight jar in a cool place. Mix 1 teaspoonful with water to quench the thirst caused by a fever.
12. Lemonade or any Fruit juice will help replace the fluids lost through sweating.
13. Pour a pint of boiling water over an entire head of lettuce and let it steep, covered, for 15 minutes. Strain, sweeten the liquid to taste, and drink. In addition to keeping you hydrated, this lettuce infusion may help you sleep better.
14. Basil. Mix 1 teaspoon basil with 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Steep in 1 cup hot water to make a tea. Add 1 teaspoon honey. Drink two to three times a day.